No cocaine was detected in the sample.

What has been detected?

• A synthetic cathinone, N-sec-butyl butylone was detected
• The Victorian Pill Testing Service has previously detected N-sec-butyl butylone in samples that were expected to be 3-MMC or 4-MMC (March 2026)
• This time it has been detected in a sample expected to be cocaine. No cocaine was detected and N-sec-butyl butylone is a very different drug from cocaine
• As N-sec-butyl butylone is a very newly discovered synthetic cathinone, there is no information about its effects, risks, dose or duration

What do we know about synthetic cathinones?

Synthetic cathinones are a group of stimulant drugs that include 3-MMC, 4-MMC (mephedrone), methylone, and 4-CMC.

Some synthetic cathinones have been associated with serious harms.

Because very little is known about N-sec-butyl butylone, the risks are unpredictable.

Harm Reduction Tips

Test before you take it. Drug checking can help you understand what is really in your drugs.

If there are unexpected effects, avoid taking more. This includes effects coming on very quickly, or not feeling anything a while after having taken it.

Start low, go slow. Small increases in dose may have a big increase in duration and effects.

Avoid mixing substances. Risks are likely to be increased when used alongside other psychoactive substances, particularly stimulants like methamphetamine and drugs that increase serotonin like MDMA.

Avoid using alone. If you experience effects you wouldn’t usually expect, seek medical help.